(open) i'm steppin' out

[expiera]

WHO: Ciel, Pleromas who have to deal with more Kenomas on their turf for a few days, various
WHAT: Foodventures ft. a girl who needs her fix, also general July catch-all
WHERE: Godsblood, Achamoth
WHEN: First half of/early Soviseri
WARNINGS: N/A

I. GODSBLOOD; MAY I OFFER YOU AN EGG BITE IN THESE TRYING TIMES?
[It’s a nice day in Godsblood, and there is loud arguing coming from the central marketplace. Between two joints selling street food, to be exact.]

All your dingy little booth does is slather everything in sauce with no respect to the ingredients, just close shop and save yourself the embarrassment!”

[On one side, a brown-haired middle-aged woman in a worn and greasy apron, manning a stall that seems to specialize in grilled seafood behind her.]

Hah! You're one to talk, old hag! Your prices are highway robbery, and your seasoning is as bland as plain rice! The only way you make a profit is con customers who don’t know any better!

[On the other, a young man of average build on the thin side is starting to go a little red in the face, his stall seemingly specializing in skewers instead.]

Watch your mouth, you little whippersnapper! My husband and I have run this business for generations, inherited from my great-great-great grandmother! Our recipe isn’t just tradition, it’s history, we didn’t establish this by bootlicking our way through the culinary guild and begging for handouts to set up our own shop!

[Oh, this is getting heated… They’re staring to attract a crowd, not a sizable one but people are stopping by. The general sentiment seems to be of… entertainment, for better or worse; some locals are even snacking as they watch on?! They seem used to this, for better or worse…]

That is NOT what happened, I worked my butt off at the guild fair and square! You’re just jealous I was a better student – AND a better cook than your daughter, who doesn’t even WANT to take over your tasteless grilling anyway! You ever think about why she never comes around here when you’re “open”? You should’ve retired a decade ago!

[THAT earns a few gasps among the audience; dragging the daughter in? Oh my.]

Sir! Ma’am! Please, a moment!

[Interrupting them both to the surprise of everyone present, is a young woman with short dark blue hair certain Pleroma Aions may recognize. Especially those from the initial group of awakened, she did do a bad thing™ back inside the Suffer Caves and had a bad thing™ done to her in turn. There’s not the faintest hint of that now, she’s actively stepping in between them with a pacifying smile.]

I didn’t mean to start an argument, I apologize. But both your stalls just smelled so good, I’d honestly love to try out anything you would recommend! I wouldn’t mind everything too, to be completely honest, so would that be okay? Just let me know the price, I’ll be happy to pay and wait while you prepare!

[Oh… Business. Business means jools. That DOES seem to get the vendors’ attention, so they both move on to eyeing the girl with a different flavor of skepticism instead of glaring at each other like before.]

With all due respect, miss, you don’t look like much. I don’t mind making a bigger sale, but I can’t condone wasting food.

Our grilled squid is a Godsblood staple, ask anyone here! [The woman haughtily glances at the gathered spectators, who don’t seem bothered at all by the callout.] I can get you one of everything and prove to you QUALITY is why we’ve lasted so long, girlie, long as you tell this upstart exactly how my food tastes better.

—Huh?! You can’t do that, that’s NOT how it works! Miss, you have to judge by yourself, there’s no way I’d lose to sensible tastebuds! [The man looks to be a mixture of indignant and flustered, gesturing at his client who is somehow still managing to keep her smile through it all.]

Ahaha. I’m no gourmet, but I can tell you if I think it’s tasty or not. If you’d like feedback, I’ll do my best! How much will one of everything be?

[The talk of payment once again appears to effectively deescalate the situation further, and it’s at that moment that the girl turns her gaze towards you, a Pleroma Aion. Were you passing by? Or have you been watching for a while? It makes no difference: she’s addressing YOU in particular, holding out a hand invitingly towards your specific direction as she makes her offer loud and clear.]

Can I get that person over there to help me taste-test and eat everything too? I promise we won’t let any food go to waste, it’s fairer to have more than one person judge anyway. How about it? I already said I’d pay, so you don’t have to worry about how much it costs. Will you please help us out?

[That prompts some murmurs of interest and agreement among the audience, it’s indeed a fair and open proposition. Tier 1 Pleromas, don’t think too hard about how you were singled out specifically when it could have been anyone else. As for tier 2, figures that someone on the same level from the Kenoma side would have been able to spot you out, as the reverse is equally true. The woman whose dark energies also reflect the Martyr’s Legacy is still smiling warmly and waiting patiently. Well? It’s free food, and everyone’s attention is already on them both. Come on?]

II. GODSBLOOD; SNACKS DON’T SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPER MEALS
[The food stall vendors didn’t get to find out the hard way, but local restaurants sure will! Over the next few days, a head of blue will be dropping by various restaurants in town during lunch or dinner doing the following:

A. Inquiring about their dish with the biggest kick,
B. Clapping her hands together reverently in front of enough food for two~three people, yet is by herself at the table,
C. Looking various degrees of satisfied depending on how good the food was, with an empty stack of several plates in front of her.

Fattydingdong… Approach? She’s quite open to recommendations, there may or may not be mild rumors brewing of some random girl not from around suddenly showing up and eating her way across Godsblood. It seems funny and harmless, plus it does fuel local businesses, so the citizens are largely fine with writing her off as some eccentric too willing to spend jool on food than most others. This Kenoma definitely isn’t here on official business or trying particularly hard to lay low. After all, she’s here for her own reason:]

III. GODSBLOOD; Y’ALL GOT ANY MORE OF THAT… SPICE?
[And no, NOT the one as defined by Urban Dictionary. To anyone observant who is familiar with a certain spice stand in Godsblood, they may be able to note that a blue-haired woman is often found in the general vicinity of that specific Pleroma funding point. She makes sure to never be in sight of the seller, so it may not be obvious right away, but she doesn’t stray far, occasionally glancing towards the spice stall’s general direction in a not-so-subtle way. These are still all public areas, though. Let her be weird on her own, or confront?

Don’t mind her sometimes making light and quiet conversation difficult to eavesdrop with local children, too. She may also be caught slipping a young boy or girl of elementary age a piece of paper and a small pouch, closer to an alleyway a bit more isolated from the main streets where the bulk of the foot traffic is. Nothing suspicious; move along?]

IV. ACHAMOTH; PRIORITIES
[One day during Soviseri, an unusual smell is wafting from the kitchen. Any Kenomie in its general vicinity may be able to catch the scent of something pungent and savory, those familiar with the dish may also recognize it right away for what it plainly is: curry. Even if they don’t, it’s not something the citadel’s kitchen staff normally makes, and if they do choose to look into it, they will effectively find Ciel by herself in front of a large iron pot at the stove.

Holding in one hand a ladle with a yellow/brown-ish sauce coating over chunks of meat, vegetables, and potatoes, she looks like she’s blissfully floating on cloud nine and completely phased out of touch with reality.

This is understandably at least a little weird, so feel free to 180 right back out into the hallway. Unless…?]

V. WILDCARD
[Godsblood, Achamoth, maybe elsewhere, Pleromies or Kenomies, if you’d like something different or a closed starter, hit me up via PM or in the game Discord! o/]

Comments

[goldendeceiver]

[ Ernesto has hardly paid attention to what other Legacies people happen to be part of, though he'd probably do well if he started taking it as a warning sign. The Martyrs are ironically going to be the death of him one day.

Though at least this one has the decency to not be the death of him in the immediate future. While the playing along means that Ciel is protecting his secret along with her own, it also means she isn't giving away much that will let him better understand what her true motive for coming is. There aren't any convenient ears or a tail to give him some more signs about what she's really feeling either. ]

I know just who you mean.

[ He doesn't... it could have been either Eustace or Amos, or possibly both. ]

It was good seeing him again too, and glad that you decided to give yourself a break from work to stop by as well.

[ Intending to lead them away from this crowded area, but also away from where he knows Dokja happens to live as well, Ernesto nods his head in the opposite direction that the man had been going off in.

If you're not busy we should catch up. Do you have time for a walk?

[ There's an unspoken question in all of that too, and he's watching her intently to see what she does. ]

[expiera]

[At least it won't be AS ironic if it's someone from the opposing sect? That does make them natural enemies, unlike the Messy Masochistic (Plero)Martyr Men he's already acquainted (and somehow allied) with.

She maintains her easy smile through the pleasantries, they must appear utterly unremarkable to the passing crowd. It doesn't seem like they're in anyone's way either, but if they're going to keep talking, it'd be only polite to get out of the way. Just...]

Hmm... I was hoping to catch up with another friend who lives here, I have some errands of my own to run as well. But I am rather new to Godsblood, and I don't know its ins and out very well. Maybe you could show me around a bit as we do, if you're sure you're not too busy yourself? Time is money, as they say, and you are a thriving businessman, from what I hear.

[He didn't confirm or deny her throwaway question, not that she needs affirmation or rejection. It's a fact that he does business here, after all, they just don't need to get into the specifics just yet. She holds her ground for now either way, not particularly eager to follow his lead and move along despite how receptive and friendly she sounds.]

[goldendeceiver]

[ It's not surprising she's digging in her heels, but he's not if he was going to back down so easily, then he wouldn't have approached her in the first place. He laughs off her question dismissively, like she is actually afraid of inconveniencing him, and he's trying to set that worry aside. ]

As you can see, I'm not at work at the moment. It's good for me to take breaks, and I'd be delighted to show you around.

[ His smile twitches up just on one side, and though he doesn't think it's going to get him far, he does make an small attempt at fishing for information here. ]

Maybe I can help you find that friend of yours. I know a number of people in this city, and those I don't know, I probably know someone who does.

[ Dokja... he's fairly certain she's looking for Dokja, but he wants to know why. ]

[expiera]

Haha, that's true. Keeping a healthy work-life balance is important! We all need to relax here and there, I know too may workaholics myself.

[It's a lot easier to make everyone else sound worse when you can act social and say things cheerfully, huh? Hopefully her throwaway comment doesn't cause her other canine-eared coworker to sneeze or anything, she means this in the... least mean way possible.

...Hm. So it's going to be like that, huh? No surprise that he's not going to make things easy for her, but maybe she can use that to her own advantage too. Her stance towards Dokja is indisputably unique, one she is highly unlikely to adopt towards anyone else - Pleroma OR Kenoma alike.]

Oh, I'd really appreciate that! He's a difficult person though, an introvert with a really bad attitude, very shameless too. I worry for him because he's gotten into trouble before, and I have a feeling that he may be going through some things right now. He's not the type to speak up though, so I have to go out of my way to find him first. Would you happen to know any morose downers, by any chance? The sort that takes away energy just by looking at them?

[She says this through a beatific smile, her posture easy and relaxed as if they were making small talk about the nice things in their life instead of... whatever the heck she just described. But there's no mistaking it now, is there? She's not trying very hard to keep it a secret either, if it was even supposed to be one to begin with. Just Dokja things? Just Dokja things.]

[goldendeceiver]

[ They're enemies. The two of them are on opposite sides. Very soon they will be fighting (broadly speaking, not directly) against each other over the life of a woman one wants to save, while the other ones to have killed.

But it's hard as hell to hear that description of Dokja, a man that Ernesto has pretty complicated feelings about right now, said with such great cheer, and not laugh.

He makes a go at it at least, pressing his lips together while his shoulders shake with a silent chuckle.

It's harsh as hell, but it's accurate.

It also doesn't mean that she means him well, despite the fact that she said she was worried about him. A good joke at the expense of someone who recently made his life difficult isn't going to have Ernesto letting this one go so easily. As much as Dokja has worn him out lately, he doesn't want harm to come to the man.

Which is ironically more than Dokja can say for himself. ]

You know? I think I might know someone who fits the bill.

[ He'll start to walk slowly, eyes still on her as he expects her to follow for appearance sake. ]

You're pretty nice to worry about him despite all the trouble he's apparently been.

[expiera]

[Ernesto's barely restrained amusement is very politely ignored as the woman who is objectively his enemy continues smiling through his struggles with beatific patience. She's only spitting facts and calling things out as they are, there's nothing for either of them to be ashamed about? In fact, she even has it in her to perk up when he finally answers with some measure of recognition and acknowledgement. Oh, how nice!]

You do? That would be a big help!

[Well, since he says he knows someone instead of feigning complete ignorance, it's concession enough to have her take a step his way and begin following along.]

If we are talking about the same person, then I probably don't need to tell you that he's the sort of mess who won't behave better just from a stern talking to. We're... born on the same month, [the months being their shared Legacy, she did spend a split second wondering if she should've said "under the same sign" instead,] and I've already helped him out once before, so you can say that I feel invested now, haha. He's not the type that should be left alone even if there's nothing attractive about him, but sometimes that sort of thing just can't be helped, you know?

[Yes, very nice to be concerned about someone from the same Legacy who's supposed to be a sworn enemy, and for better or worse, Ernesto's prior reaction is only encouraging her to keep going.]

But goodness, am I hearing that right? It almost sounds like he got into more trouble since that scuffle three months ago. [It was during Lovaseri, when the second wave of Aions awakened.] Geez, when will he learn...

[Understatement or not, she does wonder if he'll catch on about "three months ago". Nothing more needs to be said for those who already know, after all.]

[goldendeceiver]

[ So that was the right move, huh? Ernesto didn't really think that pretending not to know who she was talking about was going to do much good, and was sort of hoping he could get her to explain more why she was stalking Dokja in the first place, but he hadn't expected it to actually go this smoothly.

He keeps his own surprise off his face as he starts to walk along with her, slowly mapping out a path that will lead them somewhere they can talk a little more open and candidly about what plans Ciel actually has for Dokja. He's trying to read into her words for now, brow furrowing for a moment on "same month" before quickly smoothing out as he catches on, and ears perking up at the mention of feeling invested in him.

The two would have a chance to get to know each other prior to the original group splintering the way it did, so it's entirely possible a bond was formed. Ernesto has gotten along relatively well with some of the Kenoma himself, even if he's not about to march down to Achamoth to check in on them. It's plausible...

Doesn't mean he's ready to give much information away though.

The fact that Dokja and Gen fought though? He's fine with mentioning. He can't imagine that would be something the Pleroma would be able to keep under wraps anyway, because Gen is capable of blabbing about it to anyone he wants on his own side, so it's not much of a secret.

Especially not if she is aware of the struggle these two have had in the past, and it sounds like she does. One ear twitches as he turns that bit of information over, and he starts to wonder how close this woman is to Gen...

Time to slide some honesty in here and see how she reacts. His gaze is focused squarely on her even as he shrugs with a dismissive, breezy air. ]

Less trouble than he could have. I stumbled across the fight before it really took off, and our mutual friend decided to let it go after all. Seems like there's some pretty bad blood between those two though.

[expiera]

[It's as plain as day that he's being extra cautious, and she certainly can't blame him. The Pleromas are at a well known disadvantage in every way conceivable, it's more than understandable that Ernesto plays with his cards close to his chest. Nevertheless, he told her enough: he cares about Dokja, he wouldn't be so vague and dodgy otherwise. Whether it's actual friendship or obligation to an ally doesn't matter, how he balances a friendly exterior with wariness while prodding for more attests to his diligence and sense of responsibility.

So she doesn't mind, loosening her own lips more than she otherwise should as she follows along to a location of his choosing without a hint of worry. It's give and take, and it's more than fine that he can't meet her evenly in the middle: he can't afford to freely give, she understands and can accommodate that much. And that's why...]

Did you? I'd love to hear more. And mutual friend... I'm starting to feel like we have a lot and it may be getting hard to tell them apart, haha. Is this who I think it is? Because color me shocked about 'letting go', if so! [She pipes along with energy, blinking back at him with adequately fitting wider eyes as if they were merely gossiping along.]

Then again, assuming they met somewhere public, maybe that makes sense too: Godsblood is an amazing city full of opportunities, everyone here for business would want to make a good public impression. Let's hope they stay civil then, but knowing their history...

[She trails off, a subtle but sharper glint in blue eyes as she tilts her head to watch her companion more closely. Does he know? More importantly, is he willing to share that he may know?]

[goldendeceiver]

[ In truth, Ernesto knows very little about the situation between Dokja and Gen. He'd only found out about the confrontation from a spontaneous decision to reach out to the teenager and see how he was doing, and when he'd confronted Dokja about it, his "teammate" had been pretty tight lipped. As someone how doesn't love others trying to pry into his own business, Ernesto couldn't really fault him for that, but it really is frustrating being on the other side of that equation for once.

He has to wonder if Ciel might know more. The way she's talking makes it sound like she does, and while his own expression doesn't change, his ears perk in obvious interest at what she's saying.

As for what she's saying? He laughs easily, like it's a joke. ]

I'm not sure he would have if he hadn't seen me. I think he felt bad being caught in the act.

[ It's beyond that, and he's sure that Ciel can fill in the gaps as to why spotting another Aion when beginning an altercation with Gen might bring Dokja up short.

As they chat Ernesto rounds a corner, his upbeat cheer starting to relax into something more "friendly neutral" as they keep walking, the chatter and sounds of the city starting to sound like a distance murmur as they walk.

Still Ernesto keeps his own voice low as he slowly begins to speak more frankly. ]

But from the way you're making it sound, it's surprising even that brought him up short.

[expiera]

[That's what it boils down to, doesn't it? A war of information, and while the fact that they're on opposing sects naturally matter, they also... don't. Because it's about individuals and not their cause overall, about specific allies of theirs and their (highly antagonistic and dangerous) relationship with each other.

Ernesto is still justified to think he may stand more to lose. Dokja is the one actively looking to throw away his life, after all.]

A shred of conscience? My. And here I thought him to be completely shameless. But maybe that's a good thing too? It could mean he's learning, at least a little.

[She also remarks coyly, as if joking. Boys will be boys, as they say. Surely fights can't be that rare, bar brawls must already be regular occurrences in a coastal city? (Aion fights, on the other hand...)

Either way, she follows his lead along, and her demeanor doesn't change in any noticeable way even after they've left the big crowds behind. Wonder where they're going? She's paying attention, of course. The odds of this being a trap are low, but they're not nonexistent, for one.]

Oh, did I? I don't know about that, haha. What do you mean?

[Innocuous, if not a touch vapid. He may need to be a little more specific.]

[goldendeceiver]

[ Bar brawls certainly aren't uncommon in a place like Godsblood where it's easy enough to step on someone's honor without even realizing it. Aion battles are not, though they're certainly about to become a more common sight in the near future, unfortunately for the people who live here.

At least this little clash of sects will not lead to anything particular violent, considering no one has been ordered to draw a weapon on the other, and both parties aren't necessarily interested in causing a scene.

Ernesto smiles widely at Ciel still playing dumb, but he knows for a fact that no one is going to overhear them here, and he's done with playing around. ]

That Mr. Dokja and the kid hate each other enough that he wouldn't usually stop just because I happened to stumble into the picture.

[expiera]

[Ah, so finally they've reached a place where it's okay to speak openly. She has no reason to doubt and not follow the Pleroma Aion's lead: he would know Godsblood better, and he's already proven he wouldn't put Dokja at further risk if it could be helped. With a friendly smile still at her lips too, she drops the charade with her words in kind.]

That 'kid' hates him, very much so, but I'm not sure if hatred is quite the right word for Dokja. He's the one who provoked a teenager first and made it personal, after all. Are you really surprised that Dokja stopped?

[Crossing her arms, she eyes the man with dog features evenly and makes sure to pay attention to his ears and tail. He doesn't open with a question as she was expecting, but it seems like they both have some note comparing to do, if nothing else.]

[goldendeceiver]

[ The problem with watching someone so carefully and openly means that they're aware of the fact that you're watching them. While Ernesto's ears and tail tend to move without him putting much thought into his body language, he is fully capable of holding them still if needed, and with Ciel's eyes so obviously on him he puts a little more thought into what all of his body is doing as he stays as neutral and careful as possible. ]

I'm not sure what to be surprised by, but I would hope Mr. Dokja would have it in him to put a stop to his actions as the adult in the situation.

[ Though he does kind of doubt it... Dokja hadn't seemed that interested in actually avoiding a fight with Gen when Ernesto has tried to talk to him about it in the past. ]

Are you really here out of concern for him, Señorita? Because a man who keeps picking fights with someone on your side seems like someone you might take issue with.

[ Well, someone a Kenoma in general might. He can't speak for Ciel personally. ]

cw: implied suicide/death seeking

[expiera]

[Can't blame him for that either. Oh well, back to the topic at hand.]

You're putting a lot of hope on an "adult" with a terribly twisted yet fragile mindset, who can be bested by a teenager despite possessing grossly superior ability and experience. I think he's over his head with what he's trying to do, not just like a wounded animal looking for a place to rest but one that's purposefully going out of its way to be hit by one brand of car in particular. So no, I don't approve of his self-destructive ways, much less dragging an inexperienced teenager into this mess of his. I would very much like it if he stopped doing that, you may call it however you like.

[She lays it out plainly, finally dropping the friendly smile into something... remarkably neutral. There's no hint of exasperation or annoyance, almost as if said to get a reaction out of him. Which may not be entirely off the mark: her eyes do remain keenly trailed on him, though she's crossed her arms and is also patiently waiting for his response. What she's described can certainly fit under "concern", there isn't THAT much stretching of its definition needed. Well?]

[goldendeceiver]

[ There's nothing she says that he can actually disagree with there. He's not sure is actually going on inside Dokja's head every time he goes crawling back to Gen despite the fact that he claimed Gen was able to blindside him, but he does know that anyone with a lick of sense would actually follow Ernesto's advice to seek out an ally when dealing with an opponent you know for a fact can take you down.

Instead, Dokja pretty clearly went and sought out that interaction, and as far as Ernesto is aware didn't tell a single soul about it.

Not that he's letting any of that show on his face, nor in his body language. Instead he'll give a little, acting very intentionally with his body language as he narrows his eyes slightly and cants his head to the side. The smile is still relaxed and friendly, but it's not reaching his eyes at all. ]

Do you plan to hurt him, Miss? Because I'd rather not have a scuffle in the streets, even a location like this one where people don't usually wander, but...

[ And here he pats the hilt of the sword resting on his hip. ]

I'm not really interested in letting anyone go after him either, no matter how much they might think he deserves it.

[expiera]

No.

[The answer is brisk, quick, almost dismissive. She glances down the alley they came from, her own stance relaxed and unbothered.]

He's already constantly hurting himself, no one is more effective at it than he himself is. Hurting him more will just be giving him what he wants.

[Crossing her arms, she gives a small shrug.]

So if someone wants to antagonize him, it would make sense to do the opposite instead. I don't know his sleeping and eating habits, but with how terrible he always looks, that would probably mean... Make him eat more? Force him to get more sunlight? Would you happen to have better ideas, monsieur, since you're a friend of his?

[Completely ignoring the sword at Ernesto's hilt or anything he may be trying to do with it, she keeps her eyes shut and tilts her head as if trying to Think, the motion a touch too exaggerated to look natural. One may call it dramatic, even, but details, yeah?]

[goldendeceiver]

[ His hand doesn't move off of it, but his expression does shift to open curiosity. This is clearly not the reply he expected to get. While the possibility that Ciel would deny any desire to hurt Dokja did exist, the way she does it is...

Unorthodox.

There's something to this story that he's not getting, because the way she's carrying on does sound like genuine worry to him, but in a nagging sort of familial way. Did these two know each other prior to coming to Horos, or...? ]

It seems to me like you might be too, so I'll trust you know all the best ways to torment him.

[ Even if his hand is still hovering by his sword, at least he seems to relax more as he drums his fingers across the top of it. ]

Just how well do you know Mr. Dokja?

[expiera]

[She blinks at him.]

Do you think so? ["Friend", huh?] Aha. As much as I appreciate the sentiment, I still need to track him down. He doesn't go out too often by himself, I can't imagine, so if I have to go back looking... [Read: stalking. Ernesto DID interrupt her, so.] I'll make sure to bring something though, fresh fruit and some snacks that have a long expiration date, maybe?

[Again, if he has suggestions. As for how well she knows him...

She takes a small pause before answering him, long enough to heave a fresh breath in.]

I've seen him miserable, like he wanted the earth to swallow him. I've seen him laugh too, so much that he almost had tears in his eyes. [...] I've seen him grievously injured to the point that it looked really dangerous, I've seen him go out of his way to risk himself in helping someone else too.

[It sounds like she's seen him a lot, when she hears herself list those things out loud. But it doesn't really feel like it, even if it's all true. They just... Happen to run into each other. Quite a bit.]

Does it sound like I know him well?

[goldendeceiver]

[ He wonders if it’s the fact that they’re technically supposed to be enemies that makes her insist on referring to taking care of his damaged man as tormenting him. It’s obvious that even though Dokja wouldn’t ever do these things for himself, her fussing over him isn’t actually doing anything at all to hurt him.

He won’t call her out on it though. If there’s one more person out there that actually wants what’s best for Dokja? All the better. And if she needs to pretend that’s not what she’s doing? He’ll let her lie this way.

There’s a sad quality to his smile in all of her talking though. It’s sad that someone has to worry over Dokja this way, because the man refuses to take care of himself the way he should, and it’s sad that a man who does have these good traits in himself seems so ready to toss himself into his own suffering and misery.

But maybe the saddest thing for Ernesto personally is that he’s not sure there’s much he can do to really help Dokja. He’s seen him risk his life for someone (him…), he’s seen him sometime after those grievous injuries had started to heal up too, he’d even seen Dokja in the cave in a deep, moody low point. He’d never seen him laugh though, not a real laugh at any rate, and besides that time that he was too weak fighting off the Kenoma, he’d never seen Dokja show him any real emotions either.

It’s hypocritical to feel morose about that given the way Ernesto himself is, but…

He nods slowly. ]

I’d say you know him a good deal better than I do.

[expiera]

[No wonder this one's a Lovers. Should she warn him that nothing good will come out of getting too involved with Dokja?

...

Nah, she'll not drag him further in front of a Pleroma who already understands his situation. Anyone would feel helpless knowing how self-destructive and stupid that man is, but that's a Pleroma problem. She can be the way she is about him precisely because she's Kenoma: she can do whatever she wants, so that's exactly what she's doing.]

Ahaha, you give me too much credit. [She brushes him off with a small laugh and wave of her hand.] Again, it's probably just because we're born under the same sign? [Birth month, horoscope, whatever. The Legacies are basically astrology with noncon super empathy attached to them. Convenient but also really intrusive, tbh.] So it's entirely possible you may have a better understanding than me of that other boy, the one he keeps butting heads with.

[Minegishi... Who definitely has attachment issues. Got any Lovers' insight, monsieur?]

[goldendeceiver]

[ She's right, Ernesto already knows that continuing to worry about Dokja is going to be a rough and rocky road for him.

But he's not about to stop doing it now. He might be a mess, but this man saved his life once, and he wants to return the favor whether Dokja wants him to or not.

Though speaking of messes... Ernesto's smile is wry at that comment, before he shakes his head. ]

He keeps his emotions pretty close to his chest, so it's hard to get much of a read on him. In person he tends to be more expressive, but any time I've reached out to him using more long distance means...

[ Communion chats where emotions risk bleeding out. ]

He tends to be very, very careful not to let me know too much.

[expiera]

[Well, that's not too surprising. It's not like Ciel knows any more, other than Dokja feels really, really, really, REALLY, REALLY guilty about something just like her. Aside from their shared Legacy shenanigans, it's not like they've had any heart to heart, either.

But.]

Well then, all the more reason for me to find where he lives! Would you let me do that, if I force him to go out and get some fresh air after?

[...]

Pretty please~?

[This is unfortunately the innocent and sweet smile of someone who can and WILL hurt his friends, but they're not at that point of the timeline yet. So!!!]

[goldendeceiver]

[ The act honestly doesn't do her many favors, because innocent and sweet doesn't really suit someone who is looking to end the entire universe. And while he has no reason to doubt Ciel other than opposite factions, Ernesto still isn't the type to send off a potential threat to go terrorize a (sort of) friend.

So he smiles back, just as innocent and sweet looking, but-- ]

I think I'd feel more comfortable if I escorted you there, and if Mr. Dokja has no objections to you taking him out, then I have none either.

[ Technically he doesn't even need to walk up to the door with Ciel, just stay close enough to make sure she doesn't try any funny business. If the two really do have some shared history, and Dokja really does allow her to spend time around him, then it's not really Ernesto's place to try and force them apart based on ideological differences.

No matter how big those might be. ]

[expiera]

Oh, that's perfectly okay with me! Will you be saying hi too, monsieur?

[She apparently has no qualms with additional supervision, so having an escort is A-OK too. Poor Dokja definitely didn't ask for this... But it's for his own good (citation needed)?]

[goldendeceiver]

I don't think that will be necessary, señorita. I've seen him recently enough.

[ And it hadn't exactly been the most fun for either of them to have the talk they did. He can't imagine that Dokja really wants to speak to him right now. He's not sure that Dokja really wants to speak to this woman either, but as long as he's not outright hostile towards her, then Ernesto supposes he can let it go.

So he'll start slowly, and somewhat reluctantly moving forward in the direction of Dokja's place. It doesn't feel right leading a known enemy there, but if she's left on her own she'll probably sniff him out on her own sooner or later. ]

As long as the two of you are getting along just fine, then I'm satisfied.